Local and fresh eating is essential not only to one’s physical health and well-being but also to the health and well-being of the community and economy. Springfield Community Gardens is an organization in Springfield that strives to share the benefits of local produce with the city.

   With the help of its nearly 700 volunteer farmers, SCG has opened 17 gardens and three urban farms. All the sites are certified naturally grown and are currently on the road to becoming certified organic.

  Anna Withers is the farmer and resource development manager at SCG, and her job is to ensure that farmers are connected with ample resources to maintain the healthy and regenerative nature of the gardens. 

   “We specifically promote conservation practices and farming and gardening in a way that protects the soil and preserves the environment and is adding to the health of the environment versus stripping the soil of nutrients,” Withers said. 

   Beyond educating farmers, SCG serves as a resource to the community. They have videos on their YouTube page on the topics of regenerative agriculture, as well as more in-depth guides about topics like composting. The group promotes the numerous benefits of local agriculture – the most apparent to consumers being the flavor of their produce. Shopping at national chain grocery stores means that none of the “fresh” produce is truly fresh.

   “They don’t taste the same as home grown because they were picked and shipped,” Nixa Junior High School horticulture teacher Allan Blaue said. 

    SCG promotes the benefits of local eating on the economy. 

   “If [produce] doesn’t have to travel across the United States or even internationally, you’re saving a lot on gasoline and transportation,” Withers said. “It also keeps money in our local economy.” 

   While promoting local eating, SCG stands to be an overall benefit to the community of Springfield. Through their volunteer and educational programs, the group is reaching hundreds of people across the area, starting with the youth of the city.

   “I help run our 4-H club for youth 7-12,” Withers said. “And we teach them about regenerative agriculture and reducing food waste, how to garden and get them thinking about their role in the food system,”

   Giving back to their community is also a crucial aspect of SCG’s mission. Due to the group being a non-profit organization, the farmers are able to donate much of the food that is grown.

   “We donate food to Missouri State University Bear Pantry, Victory Mission, Harmony House [and] different food distributions around Springfield so that low income families can access fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables,”

   Ultimately, SCG provides a place for gardeners and growers to do what they love in an otherwise hyper-urban setting. 

   “Many will tell you it is crucial for their mental health to get out in the garden,’ Withers said. “It is so satisfying planting a seed in the ground and actually watching it sprout and being able to consume something you’ve grown.”